Healthcare organizations have to adhere to strict confidentiality laws when it comes to protecting patient data. They also have to maintain an efficient workflow to ensure the timely delivery of care and treatment.
These requirements can be challenging to meet without the help of a company with in-depth experience with these regulations. A cybersecurity partner that stays on top of these trends will ensure your organization has a solid and effective data protection strategy.
Encryption
Sensitive pharmaceutical data can be a significant concern for healthcare organizations and must be adequately protected to ensure compliance. Encryption is an integral part of a data protection strategy for any organization that deals with sensitive information.
Encrypted data protects information from unauthorized users or hackers during storage and transfer. It also prevents data-manipulating attacks that alter files’ contents, size, and type.
This is because encryption converts readable text into unreadable text, called ciphertext. It can only be decoded by the correct decryption key, typically a string of numbers or a password created by an algorithm.
There are two main types of encryption: symmetric and asymmetric. Symmetric encryption uses a single encryption key, while asymmetric encryption uses a different key for each encrypted file.
Encryption is a fundamental security measure that should be a core component of every company’s cybersecurity strategy. Not only does it help protect data against theft or hacking, but many regulatory and compliance standards also require it. For example, various industry sectors have data privacy rules that require companies to use encryption to safeguard sensitive personal information.
Access Controls
The pharmaceutical industry has a significant amount of sensitive data that needs to be protected. This includes proprietary drug information, research and development data, and patient and consumer information. Without the proper security strategies, these digital assets could be put at risk and have disastrous consequences for the company and its customers. That is why it is important to have cyber security in pharmaceutical industry.
Access control is a critical component of cybersecurity that protects sensitive information by controlling how people access an organization’s systems, apps, and data. It uses methods like authentication and authorization to verify that users are who they say they are and are granted the access they need in real-time based on role, device, location, etc.
Authentication involves using user credentials such as passwords, pins, or even biometric scans to identify a person. Authorization then determines what level of access and allowed actions a person is authorized to take.
Three main types of access control include discretionary access control (DAC), role-based access control (RBAC), and mandatory access control (MAC). The system, data, resource owner, or administrator in DAC sets the policies that authorize access. In MAC, a central authority regulates access rights based on multiple levels of security.
All of these types of access control systems have their advantages and disadvantages. The most crucial aspect of any access control strategy is ensuring that the right people have access to the right resources at the correct times.
Monitoring
The pharmaceutical industry is a high-profile target for cyber attacks as it houses valuable information and trade secrets. When data is compromised, it can severely impact the company, including financial loss, reputational damage, government investigations, and legal action.
Monitoring is critical in ensuring that sensitive data is not lost or misused. Consistent supervision of data and user activity can help teams identify leaks and violations in real-time, saving them a lot of time and money in the long run.
In addition to data security, effective cybersecurity protocols require good information sharing and communication with stakeholders, including third parties. This will help companies maintain compliance with various laws and regulations and allow them to respond quickly to an attack or other incident.
As a result, the cybersecurity needs of pharmaceutical organizations are unique and require a comprehensive and flexible set of controls. These include encryption, access controls, data monitoring, and training.
As a result of these challenges, many pharmaceutical firms need to improve their cybersecurity practices. However, the recent COVID-19 situation has generated a surge in interest and a sense of urgency among many companies to enhance their cybersecurity protocols.
Training
As with any industry, healthcare providers must constantly be vigilant about securing sensitive information. Often, this means keeping up with technology and training employees to stay informed.
The pharmaceutical industry is no exception. Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting pharmaceutical companies due to their large amounts of intellectual property and valuable patient data. Stolen data can be sold on the dark web or returned to desperate companies needing it to run their businesses.
In addition, cybersecurity breaches can devastate healthcare organizations because of their impact on patients’ lives and health outcomes. For example, if hackers can access medical records or lifesaving medical devices, the effect on patient safety and care delivery can be disastrous.
While cybersecurity threats are growing, many healthcare organizations must address their security needs adequately. Healthcare organizations can work with a partner offering cybersecurity services to address this.
This can help organizations to develop and maintain effective cybersecurity policies that protect the sensitive pharmaceutical data they hold. The partner can also help companies understand their cybersecurity risks and how to avoid them.
Healthcare and pharmaceutical companies have several challenges regarding cybersecurity, including legacy systems, third-party vendors, and mergers or acquisitions. The most crucial step is implementing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy addressing all these issues.
